Warren Schaeffer is “looking forward” to seeing Orlando Arcia settle in with Rockies

For the 47th time this season, the Colorado Rockies came up short of victory in a 2-1 loss against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Wednesday night. The wind was blowing and the runs were hard to come by, as Colorado finished the three-game series with just five. Interim manager Warren Schaeffer has been clawing to find any small victories he can take since becoming the lead guy, and Wednesday’s bright spot was a new face that just blew into town.

Orlando Arcia, the 30-year-old infielder who started his season with the Atlanta Braves, made his debut with the Rockies on Wednesday after they picked him up earlier in the week. The move confused a lot of fans, as this team needs to continue and try to develop young guys instead of bringing in journeyman veterans, but Arcia was still brought in.

The 2021 World Series champion was Colorado’s best asset in the batter’s box, recording two hits in three at-bats without striking out. He didn’t score any runs, but having some semblance of consistency from anyone at the plate is important for the Rockies right now, and Arcia showed it.

“It was good to see in his first day with us, get on base a couple times,” Schaeffer said after the loss. “Look forward to seeing that more often.”

Arcia was DFA’d by the Braves last week after having a lackluster start to his year and having younger guys take his spot in the infield. He was hitting just .194 in Atlanta with just one extra-base hit in 32 plate appearances (of course Rockies general manager Bill Schmidt brought a struggling veteran in instead of letting one of his prospects get a crack at the big leagues!). In the last month of his time with the Braves, he was used primarily as a pitch runner or hitter late in ballgames, not as a starter.

If Arcia, who was an All-Star just two seasons ago, is able to build some momentum off his inaugural performance with the team, it would be a much needed sign for a team that just can’t put the ball in play. To no one’s surprise, the team still ranks dead last in runs scored (177) and batting average (.218).

Schaeffer is also hoping that his veteran presence can help the other guys out, as he’s still looking for the hitting to reach the same level that Colorado is pitching at.

“The pitching is right on point. We’re gonna catch up with the bats,” Schaeffer said.

Next up for Arcia, Schaeffer and the Rockies is a date with the second-place New York Mets in Queens over the weekend. Colorado gets a day off on Thursday before they try and stop Juan Soto and the 34-22 Mets.

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